Arunachal Pradesh’s existance has been mentioned in the Mahabharata and the Kalika-purana, and the state is very significant from a religious point of view, President Ram Nath Kovind said in Itanagar on Sunday.

Speaking at a function to mark the 40th anniversary of the Vivekananda Kenra Vidyalaya in Itanagar, President Kovind also recalled the state’s connection with Indian history through the mention of Bhishmak-nagar, apart from Krishna’s marriage with Rukmini.

“The mention of Arunachal Pradesh can be found as early as in the Mahabharata and the Kalika-purana. It is connected to Indian history as Bhishmak-nagar. It is also said that while Parashuram had washed off his sins in the Lohit here, Maharshi Vyas had medidated here and Lord Krishna had married Rukmini from here,” he said.

Pointing at the rich natural beauty of the state that extends from the lofty snow-clad Himalayas in the north to the Brahmaputra Valley in the south, President Kovind also described Arunachal Pradesh as a jewel on India’s crown. “If the Northeastern region is the crown of India, then Arunachal Pradesh is a jewel in the crown,” he said.

President Kovind also recalled the role people of this frontier state played in India’s freedom movement, and particularly referred to Matmur Jamoh, who had attained martyrdom in the struggle against the British. “A number of people from here have etched their names in the annals of history. Freedom fighter Matmur Jamoh, who had attained martyrdom while fighting the British Army was one of them,” he said.

Later, inaugurating the new State Assembly building in another function in Itanagar, President Kovind also remembered the sacrifice of Hangpan Dada, an Army jawan from the state who laid down his life fighting terrorists in Kashmir. “Hangpan Dada, who hailed from a village near Borduriya in Tirap, had sacrificed his life while fighting against terrorists in Kashmir. He is an inspiration for the entire country,” the President said.

The President also expressed satisfaction over the progress of construction of the Trans-Arunachal Highway and upgradation of several advanced landing grounds in the remote districts of the state. “While Itanagar is already connected by a Shatabdi Express, the Trans-Arunachal Highway and the advanced landing grounds, once completed, will bring aboiut drastic improvement in connectivity,” he said.

“Being a state sharing international boundaries with neighbouring countries, Arunachal Pradesh, I am sure, will also play a major role in establishing trade relations with ASEAN and other South Asian countries under the government’s Act East Policy.” President Kovind said.

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that India has put 'Dharma' at the centre of governance. He was addressing the Members of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana Advocates Associations, in Hyderabad today. The Acting Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh & Teleangana, Justice Ramesh Ranganathan, Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana, Shri Mohammad Mahmood Ali and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

The Vice President said that upholding Dharma means sustaining our civilization and if we follow the rule of law, our human society will survive and this is why we say: “Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitaha”. He quoted Chanakya as saying “Law and morality sustain the world”. We all have a stake and a role to play in making this happen in our lives, he added.

The Vice President said that the implementation of the laws and the dispensation of justice need to be much more effective, speedy and perceived to be fair and just. He further said that the conduct of lawyers, judges and the courts has a deep impact on the civilian life in this country. Dynamism of the lawyers is the foundation for “Judicial Activism”, he added.

The Vice President said that justice Dispensation System, as an institution, is now at crossroads and faced with many challenges. He further said that the general decline in ethical and moral values, has affected the Justice Dispensation System as well. Lawyers must equip themselves with the changing trends and assist the Judiciary with proper input, he added.

In fact, India has put ‘’Dharma’’ at the centre of governance.

Let me remind ourselves what Mahabharata says:

“Dharma is for the stability of society, the maintenance of social order and the general well-being and progress of human kind. Whatever conduces to the fulfillment of these objects is Dharma.”

We all have a stake and a role to play in making this happen in our lives.

The citizens are looking up to the institutions of governance like the legislature, judiciary and the executive. The expectations are that these deliver ‘SURAJYA’ and contribute to improvement in the quality of life. The trust and confidence that an average Indian places in these institutions is getting eroded.

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that India has put 'Dharma' at the centre of governance. He was addressing the Members of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana Advocates Associations, in Hyderabad today. The Acting Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh & Teleangana, Justice Ramesh Ranganathan, Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana, Shri Mohammad Mahmood Ali and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

The Vice President said that upholding Dharma means sustaining our civilization and if we follow the rule of law, our human society will survive and this is why we say: “Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitaha”. He quoted Chanakya as saying “Law and morality sustain the world”. We all have a stake and a role to play in making this happen in our lives, he added.

The Vice President said that the implementation of the laws and the dispensation of justice need to be much more effective, speedy and perceived to be fair and just. He further said that the conduct of lawyers, judges and the courts has a deep impact on the civilian life in this country. Dynamism of the lawyers is the foundation for “Judicial Activism”, he added.

The Vice President said that justice Dispensation System, as an institution, is now at crossroads and faced with many challenges. He further said that the general decline in ethical and moral values, has affected the Justice Dispensation System as well. Lawyers must equip themselves with the changing trends and assist the Judiciary with proper input, he added.

In fact, India has put ‘’Dharma’’ at the centre of governance.

Let me remind ourselves what Mahabharata says:

“Dharma is for the stability of society, the maintenance of social order and the general well-being and progress of human kind. Whatever conduces to the fulfillment of these objects is Dharma.”

We all have a stake and a role to play in making this happen in our lives.

The citizens are looking up to the institutions of governance like the legislature, judiciary and the executive. The expectations are that these deliver ‘SURAJYA’ and contribute to improvement in the quality of life. The trust and confidence that an average Indian places in these institutions is getting eroded.

Please share some respect.
He is doing which you can't do that is collection of information from various open sources and posting them on their desired thread on a single domain.

It's not gandh at all and if you feel like that way than you are on wrong forum..

Good Day

Click to expand...

Respect is given already by the Indian Establishment and here some are hiding thier real identity and trying to talk to show that they are having importance but in reality these members doesnt have the guts to accept the ground reality.

I visited a Arunachali friend's home last month, her mother made this tasty dish. Really nice people. In my state this dish is enjoyed as a fry or curry(in fact it is our state dish), But they also make a steamed version of this dish.

Arunachal Pradesh’s existance has been mentioned in the Mahabharata and the Kalika-purana, and the state is very significant from a religious point of view, President Ram Nath Kovind said in Itanagar on Sunday.

President's Secretariat
21-November, 2017 19:11 ISTAddress by the Hon’ble President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind on the occasion of inauguration of the northeast development summit

1. I am happy to be here at the inauguration of the Northeast Development Summit. This is my first visit to the region and to the state of Manipur since taking office as the President of India, and I am truly glad that it has coincided with this very important event.

2. I am sure the Summit will take enlightened and actionable decisions on the development of the Northeast not just from a domestic, Indian perspective – but also in the context of the neighbourhood. The development of the Northeast is tied with the development of India’s neighbours and the countries of ASEAN. Friendly partner countries from other regions too are integral to our vision for the Northeast and can contribute substantially.

3. For a short period in our history, there has been a misconception about the eight states of the Northeast being a “frontier” of India. I say “short period of history” deliberately. After all, if you consider the hundreds and thousands of years of civilisation, far from being a frontier, the Northeast has been at the heart of Indian imagination. And if you take South Asia and Southeast Asia as a continuum – as it has been perceived for most of history – then the Northeast is right in the middle of it.

4. The Northeast is an amazing social and cultural ecosystem. Few regions of the world have such a wealth of cultural, ethnic and religious diversity packed into such a small area. This variety is an inspiration for all of us. The Northeast is home to some of the oldest indigenous communities in the world. It is one of our spiritual homelands. Whether it is the traditions of the Devi in Kamakhya or of Buddhism in Tawang and elsewhere, they make for a sacred bond that unites India with Southeast Asia. Christian missionaries have contributed to education here. And there is even a small but thriving Jewish community in Manipur and Mizoram.

5. Prosperity is the Northeast’s natural destiny, its default position if I may put it so. Its geographical location makes it the obvious gateway to India, linking the vast economies of the Indian subcontinent and of today’s ASEAN countries. This is the potential we have to tap. And this is the idea that must inspire this Summit.

6. Central to the Government of India’s approach to the development of the Northeast is an urgent and speedy enhancement of connectivity. This is a multi-modal programme, across land, water and air. And it refers both to connectivity within India as well as to connectivity between India and its eastern and Southeast Asian neighbours.

7. In the past three years, railway lines have finally come to Arunachal Pradesh, fulfilling an old demand. An extensive development of railway links in the Northeast is under way, with investments totalling Rs 90,000 crore. Road building in the region is busier than it has ever been. Border roads, national highways and state roads are all being built or improved. Incorporated in July 2014, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation is working with a special focus on the Northeast. It is engaged in about 100 road projects in the region.

8. Inland waterways, especially along the majestic Brahmaputra and Barak rivers, can both save transport costs as well as facilitate connectivity. And finally, there is the push for air connectivity. The creation of infrastructure in smaller cities and airports, along with more and more flights, is making the skies of the Northeast buzz with traffic.

9. In the broader neighbourhood, initiatives such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway and the Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project are critical for many of our countries and for the Northeast. The Northeast is also the corridor for so many trade and connectivity projects on the Bangladesh Bhutan India Nepal [BBIN] and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation [BIMSTEC] platforms. I would say that the states of the Northeast region are the true drivers of India’s Act East policy.

Ladies and Gentlemen

10. Incorporated in March 2017, the Northeast Tourism Development Council is creating partnerships between government and private sector players. I am confident it will make the Northeast one of the leading tourism destinations of not just India but Asia. That is where it deserves to be.

Ladies and Gentlemen

11. The sense of connect with the Northeast gives every one of us in this room a stake in the region. It doesn’t matter whether we are from the Northeast, from other parts of India or indeed from other countries connected by culture and geography, history and trade to the Northeast. The development of the Northeast is a shared enterprise.

12. Seeing the impressive degree of participation in this Summit – not only from Manipur and states of the Northeast, but from the rest of India and key partner countries – I am left extremely optimistic. I look forward to the deliberations between government officials, business-persons and other delegates at this Summit leading to fruitful results – and specific projects and outcomes.

13. In conclusion, I again emphasise that in the development of the Northeast is both the development of India – as well the true measure of the India-ASEAN partnership. The opportunity is before us. Let us grab it.

Thank you

Jai Hind!

***********

The Kamakhya Temple also Kamrup-Kamakhya[2] is a Hindu temple dedicated to the mother goddessKamakhya. It is one of the oldest of the 51 Shakti Pithas, The earliest historical dynasty of Kamarupa, the Varmans (350-650), as well as Xuanzang, a 7th-century Chinese traveler ignore the Kamakhya; and it is assumed that the worship at least till that period was Kirata-based beyond the brahminical ambit. The first epigraphic notice of Kamakhya is found in the 9th-century Tezpur plates of Vanamalavarmadeva of the Mlechchha dynasty. Since the archaeological evidence too points to a massive 8th-9th century temple, The Pala dynasty of Kamarupa kingdom ruled from 900. Like the Pala dynasty of Bengal, the first ruler in this dynasty was elected, which probably explains the name of this dynasty "Pala". But unlike the Palas of Bengal, who were Buddhists, the Palas of Kamarupa were Hindus.The Pala dynasty came to an end when Kamarupa was invaded by the Gaur king Ramapala (c. 1072-1126). Timgyadeva was made the governor of Kamarupa who ruled between 1110 and 1126. Timgyadeva threw off the yoke of the Pala king and ruled independently for some years when he was attacked and replaced by Vaidyadeva under Ramapala's son Kumarapala. Vaidyadeva, who ruled between 1126 and 1140, declared independence within four years of his rule after the death of Kumarapala.The Kamata kingdom appeared in the western part of the older Kamarupa kingdom on the Indian subcontinent in the 13th century, after the fall of the Pala dynasty. Alauddin Hussain Shah (c1494-1519)Hussein Shah removed the local chieftains and established military control over the region. He issued coins in his name "conqueror of Kamru, Kamata". His conquest expanded the kingdom to the western border of the Ahom kingdom. Hussein Shah finally lost military and political control to revolts by local chieftains including the Bara Bhuyans as well as the Ahom king, Suhungmung, and the region lapsed into local control and rise of the Koch dynasty.The Kochdynasty of Assam and Bengal, named after the Koch-Rajbongshi community,[2] emerged as the dominant ruling house in the Kamata kingdom in 1515 after the fall of the Khen dynasty in 1498. The first of the Koch kings, Viswa Singha and then his sons, Nara Narayan as the subsequent king and Chilarai as the general, soon occupied the western portion of the erstwhile Kamarupa Kingdom as well as some regions of south Assam.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind visiting Kamakhya Mandir, at Guwahati, in Assam on November 21, 2017. The Governor of Assam, Shri Jagdish Mukhi is also seen.

President's Secretariat
21-November, 2017 18:48 ISTAddress by the Hon’ble President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind on the occasion of inauguration of Manipur Sangai festival 2017

This is my first visit to Manipur as President of India and I am extremely happy to be inaugurating the Manipur Sangai Festival, which is the biggest festival of the state. Celebrated for 10 days every November since 2010, this is the perfect showcase for the cultural diversity and richness of Manipur, comprising its various communities and beautiful social fabric. The food and culture, adventure sports and crafts, handlooms and universally-admired dance forms of Manipur cannot find a more appropriate setting.

One can travel across the world but rarely come across a location as spectacular as Loktak Lake. I am told this is the largest freshwater lake in the Northeast, with the only floating National Park on our planet. It is a paradise for tourists and I am glad the Government is making efforts to promote the tourism potential of Manipur. Truly, this is a festival and this is a state that needs to be experienced at leisure!

Manipur’s cultural traditions, its social, religious and ethnic mosaic, and its history of courage and resilience are an inspiration for everybody in India. The war of 1891 saw the brave people of Manipur resisting the colonial powers in a manner that has few parallels. The martyrs of 1891 are heroes who will always be remembered for their contribution to the cause of our freedom and human liberty. For every Indian the great Bir Tikendrajit and his comrades are cherished icons.

About half a century later, Manipur was the unfortunate location of some of the most bitter fighting in World War II. Today, the War Memorial in Imphal and the War Cemetery serve as reminders of those times. And of the tests and trials that the people of this state have gone through. Ironically, those war relics today have international tourism potential and attract visitors from the West and from Japan. But in the 1940s, by taking the brunt of the war on its soil, Manipur in a sense protected the rest of India. Every citizen in our country is forever grateful.

Ladies and Gentlemen

Manipur is India’s window to Southeast Asia and a key player in our Government’s Act East Policy. As a result, there is a concentrated effort to quickly develop connectivity projects. The most prominent is of course the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway. In addition, an air cargo terminal complex is being planned at Imphal International Airport. Rail links are being enhanced. Jiribam is connected by a broad gauge line, and Imphal railway station has already been inaugurated. Finally, the regional connectivity scheme of the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation is giving a push to affordable air links in the region and particularly in Manipur.

I am confident that these efforts, and the partnership between the Union and state Governments, will bear fruit. The potential for tourism is immense. And the prospect of international trade, with Manipur linking the Indian economy to Myanmar and the rest of ASEAN, is unimaginably big. It is important that the benefits of such efforts reach local communities here, and provide new markets and jobs to Manipur’s farmers and handloom weavers. On my part, I must tell you that I will be returning to Delhi with enough quantities of Manipuri black rice. It is one of my favourites.

Another favourite – not just my favourite; our favourite, the whole country’s favourite – is the magnificent Mary Kom, Manipur’s very own Olympic medallist. As I tweeted after she won the gold medal in the Asian Boxing Championship recently, “You make us prouder with every punch.”

And how can we forget that Manipur is the heartland of Indian football. In the Under-17 World Cup hosted by India, our inexperienced but determined boys put up a fighting show – and eight of the 21 members of our World Cup team were from Manipur. This list included the captain Amarjit Singh Kiyam and the gallant goal-keeper Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem. The gutsy boys from Manipur won the hearts of all of India. We look forward to them achieving greater glory for the country.

Frankly, I would say Manipur is the capital of Indian sport. The traditional sport of Sagol Kangjei was the inspiration for modern polo. And here in Imphal is the oldest polo ground in the world. Huyen Langlon is a martial art that I believe deserves much greater international exposure. As does Yubi Lakpi, played with a greased coconut instead of a rugby ball. I have only mentioned a few of the many remarkable indigenous sports of Manipur. These are treasures that must be shared with the rest of the country and rest of the world.

In conclusion, I wish the Manipur Sangai Festival and all the participants here, as well as the Government and people of Manipur, every success. India takes great pride in Manipur’s cultural identity, its social diversity – and economic potential. Together all of us need to ensure that Manipur realises this potential. And that every Manipuri, whatever his or her background, benefits. We must succeed. And we will succeed.

Thank you

Jai Hind!

***

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind inaugurating the ‘Manipur Sangai Festival 2017’ at Hapta Kangjeibung, at Imphal, in Manipur on November 21, 2017. The Governor of Manipur, Dr. Najma Heptulla, the Minister of State for Tourism (I/C) and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Alphons Kannanthanam and the Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri Biren Singh are also seen.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind at the inaugural event of ‘Manipur Sangai Festival 2017’ at Hapta Kangjeibung, at Imphal, in Manipur on November 21, 2017. The Governor of Manipur, Dr. Najma Heptulla, the Minister of State for Tourism (I/C) and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Alphons Kannanthanam, the Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri Biren Singh and other dignitaries are also seen.

To provide a major boost to air connectivity in the North-east, 92 new routes will be opened in the region in the second round of the government’s ‘Udaan’ scheme, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said on Tuesday.

Sinha also announced a direct bi-weekly Air India flight from Delhi to Imphal from January next year, which he said would be made a daily service when the demand picked up. Indigo would soon start services from Guwahati to Silchar and Aizwal, he said.

He also announced that Spicejet would be procuring seaplanes that could seat 9-10 passengers and land on smaller airstrips. “The carrier is buying a large number of these seaplanes and is looking to operate in the north-east, connecting smaller airstrips. These planes will accommodate about 9-10 people. This will also improve connectivity in the north-east,” Sinha said.

Sinha was speaking at the inaugural session of the ‘North East Development Summit’, a two-day event organised by India Foundation, a think tank with links to the BJP, and the Manipur government. Sinha also informed that the construction of the Pakyong airport in Sikkim was complete and it would make reaching the northern part of the state, especially tourist attractions such as Nathu La Pass, easier. The second round of bidding for Udaan scheme was in its final stages, he said.

“With this bidding round, we have 92 new routes that are going to be started in the north-east,” Sinha said. Udaan is a regional connectivity scheme under which the government plans to provide connectivity to remote areas and enhance access in under-served regions. The scheme has enabled the government to add 30 new airports on the aviation map in tier-2 and tier-3 cities under the first round.

The second round of bidding commenced in August. The civil aviation ministry has received as many as 141 initial proposals for operating flight and helicopter services on 502 routes, connecting 126 airports and helipads. He said there were 19 “new airports or underserved airports”, and among these airports More in Manipur, Rupsi in Assam, and Tura in Meghalaya would get air services.

“Nineteen new airports and seven heliports that are going to be added to the aviation network. There are 26 new airports (that are going to be) added through Udaan round 2. The bidding processes are underway,” he said.

President's Secretariat
21-November, 2017 19:11 ISTAddress by the Hon’ble President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind on the occasion of inauguration of the northeast development summit

1. I am happy to be here at the inauguration of the Northeast Development Summit. This is my first visit to the region and to the state of Manipur since taking office as the President of India, and I am truly glad that it has coincided with this very important event.

2. I am sure the Summit will take enlightened and actionable decisions on the development of the Northeast not just from a domestic, Indian perspective – but also in the context of the neighbourhood. The development of the Northeast is tied with the development of India’s neighbours and the countries of ASEAN. Friendly partner countries from other regions too are integral to our vision for the Northeast and can contribute substantially.

3. For a short period in our history, there has been a misconception about the eight states of the Northeast being a “frontier” of India. I say “short period of history” deliberately. After all, if you consider the hundreds and thousands of years of civilisation, far from being a frontier, the Northeast has been at the heart of Indian imagination. And if you take South Asia and Southeast Asia as a continuum – as it has been perceived for most of history – then the Northeast is right in the middle of it.

4. The Northeast is an amazing social and cultural ecosystem. Few regions of the world have such a wealth of cultural, ethnic and religious diversity packed into such a small area. This variety is an inspiration for all of us. The Northeast is home to some of the oldest indigenous communities in the world. It is one of our spiritual homelands. Whether it is the traditions of the Devi in Kamakhya or of Buddhism in Tawang and elsewhere, they make for a sacred bond that unites India with Southeast Asia. Christian missionaries have contributed to education here. And there is even a small but thriving Jewish community in Manipur and Mizoram.

5. Prosperity is the Northeast’s natural destiny, its default position if I may put it so. Its geographical location makes it the obvious gateway to India, linking the vast economies of the Indian subcontinent and of today’s ASEAN countries. This is the potential we have to tap. And this is the idea that must inspire this Summit.

6. Central to the Government of India’s approach to the development of the Northeast is an urgent and speedy enhancement of connectivity. This is a multi-modal programme, across land, water and air. And it refers both to connectivity within India as well as to connectivity between India and its eastern and Southeast Asian neighbours.

7. In the past three years, railway lines have finally come to Arunachal Pradesh, fulfilling an old demand. An extensive development of railway links in the Northeast is under way, with investments totalling Rs 90,000 crore. Road building in the region is busier than it has ever been. Border roads, national highways and state roads are all being built or improved. Incorporated in July 2014, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation is working with a special focus on the Northeast. It is engaged in about 100 road projects in the region.

8. Inland waterways, especially along the majestic Brahmaputra and Barak rivers, can both save transport costs as well as facilitate connectivity. And finally, there is the push for air connectivity. The creation of infrastructure in smaller cities and airports, along with more and more flights, is making the skies of the Northeast buzz with traffic.

9. In the broader neighbourhood, initiatives such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway and the Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project are critical for many of our countries and for the Northeast. The Northeast is also the corridor for so many trade and connectivity projects on the Bangladesh Bhutan India Nepal [BBIN] and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation [BIMSTEC] platforms. I would say that the states of the Northeast region are the true drivers of India’s Act East policy.

Ladies and Gentlemen

10. Incorporated in March 2017, the Northeast Tourism Development Council is creating partnerships between government and private sector players. I am confident it will make the Northeast one of the leading tourism destinations of not just India but Asia. That is where it deserves to be.

Ladies and Gentlemen

11. The sense of connect with the Northeast gives every one of us in this room a stake in the region. It doesn’t matter whether we are from the Northeast, from other parts of India or indeed from other countries connected by culture and geography, history and trade to the Northeast. The development of the Northeast is a shared enterprise.

12. Seeing the impressive degree of participation in this Summit – not only from Manipur and states of the Northeast, but from the rest of India and key partner countries – I am left extremely optimistic. I look forward to the deliberations between government officials, business-persons and other delegates at this Summit leading to fruitful results – and specific projects and outcomes.

13. In conclusion, I again emphasise that in the development of the Northeast is both the development of India – as well the true measure of the India-ASEAN partnership. The opportunity is before us. Let us grab it.

Thank you

Jai Hind!

***********

The Kamakhya Temple also Kamrup-Kamakhya[2] is a Hindu temple dedicated to the mother goddessKamakhya. It is one of the oldest of the 51 Shakti Pithas, The earliest historical dynasty of Kamarupa, the Varmans (350-650), as well as Xuanzang, a 7th-century Chinese traveler ignore the Kamakhya; and it is assumed that the worship at least till that period was Kirata-based beyond the brahminical ambit. The first epigraphic notice of Kamakhya is found in the 9th-century Tezpur plates of Vanamalavarmadeva of the Mlechchha dynasty. Since the archaeological evidence too points to a massive 8th-9th century temple, The Pala dynasty of Kamarupa kingdom ruled from 900. Like the Pala dynasty of Bengal, the first ruler in this dynasty was elected, which probably explains the name of this dynasty "Pala". But unlike the Palas of Bengal, who were Buddhists, the Palas of Kamarupa were Hindus.The Pala dynasty came to an end when Kamarupa was invaded by the Gaur king Ramapala (c. 1072-1126). Timgyadeva was made the governor of Kamarupa who ruled between 1110 and 1126. Timgyadeva threw off the yoke of the Pala king and ruled independently for some years when he was attacked and replaced by Vaidyadeva under Ramapala's son Kumarapala. Vaidyadeva, who ruled between 1126 and 1140, declared independence within four years of his rule after the death of Kumarapala.The Kamata kingdom appeared in the western part of the older Kamarupa kingdom on the Indian subcontinent in the 13th century, after the fall of the Pala dynasty. Alauddin Hussain Shah (c1494-1519)Hussein Shah removed the local chieftains and established military control over the region. He issued coins in his name "conqueror of Kamru, Kamata". His conquest expanded the kingdom to the western border of the Ahom kingdom. Hussein Shah finally lost military and political control to revolts by local chieftains including the Bara Bhuyans as well as the Ahom king, Suhungmung, and the region lapsed into local control and rise of the Koch dynasty.The Kochdynasty of Assam and Bengal, named after the Koch-Rajbongshi community,[2] emerged as the dominant ruling house in the Kamata kingdom in 1515 after the fall of the Khen dynasty in 1498. The first of the Koch kings, Viswa Singha and then his sons, Nara Narayan as the subsequent king and Chilarai as the general, soon occupied the western portion of the erstwhile Kamarupa Kingdom as well as some regions of south Assam.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind visiting Kamakhya Mandir, at Guwahati, in Assam on November 21, 2017. The Governor of Assam, Shri Jagdish Mukhi is also seen.

President's Secretariat
21-November, 2017 18:48 ISTAddress by the Hon’ble President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind on the occasion of inauguration of Manipur Sangai festival 2017

This is my first visit to Manipur as President of India and I am extremely happy to be inaugurating the Manipur Sangai Festival, which is the biggest festival of the state. Celebrated for 10 days every November since 2010, this is the perfect showcase for the cultural diversity and richness of Manipur, comprising its various communities and beautiful social fabric. The food and culture, adventure sports and crafts, handlooms and universally-admired dance forms of Manipur cannot find a more appropriate setting.

One can travel across the world but rarely come across a location as spectacular as Loktak Lake. I am told this is the largest freshwater lake in the Northeast, with the only floating National Park on our planet. It is a paradise for tourists and I am glad the Government is making efforts to promote the tourism potential of Manipur. Truly, this is a festival and this is a state that needs to be experienced at leisure!

Manipur’s cultural traditions, its social, religious and ethnic mosaic, and its history of courage and resilience are an inspiration for everybody in India. The war of 1891 saw the brave people of Manipur resisting the colonial powers in a manner that has few parallels. The martyrs of 1891 are heroes who will always be remembered for their contribution to the cause of our freedom and human liberty. For every Indian the great Bir Tikendrajit and his comrades are cherished icons.

About half a century later, Manipur was the unfortunate location of some of the most bitter fighting in World War II. Today, the War Memorial in Imphal and the War Cemetery serve as reminders of those times. And of the tests and trials that the people of this state have gone through. Ironically, those war relics today have international tourism potential and attract visitors from the West and from Japan. But in the 1940s, by taking the brunt of the war on its soil, Manipur in a sense protected the rest of India. Every citizen in our country is forever grateful.

Ladies and Gentlemen

Manipur is India’s window to Southeast Asia and a key player in our Government’s Act East Policy. As a result, there is a concentrated effort to quickly develop connectivity projects. The most prominent is of course the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway. In addition, an air cargo terminal complex is being planned at Imphal International Airport. Rail links are being enhanced. Jiribam is connected by a broad gauge line, and Imphal railway station has already been inaugurated. Finally, the regional connectivity scheme of the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation is giving a push to affordable air links in the region and particularly in Manipur.

I am confident that these efforts, and the partnership between the Union and state Governments, will bear fruit. The potential for tourism is immense. And the prospect of international trade, with Manipur linking the Indian economy to Myanmar and the rest of ASEAN, is unimaginably big. It is important that the benefits of such efforts reach local communities here, and provide new markets and jobs to Manipur’s farmers and handloom weavers. On my part, I must tell you that I will be returning to Delhi with enough quantities of Manipuri black rice. It is one of my favourites.

Another favourite – not just my favourite; our favourite, the whole country’s favourite – is the magnificent Mary Kom, Manipur’s very own Olympic medallist. As I tweeted after she won the gold medal in the Asian Boxing Championship recently, “You make us prouder with every punch.”

And how can we forget that Manipur is the heartland of Indian football. In the Under-17 World Cup hosted by India, our inexperienced but determined boys put up a fighting show – and eight of the 21 members of our World Cup team were from Manipur. This list included the captain Amarjit Singh Kiyam and the gallant goal-keeper Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem. The gutsy boys from Manipur won the hearts of all of India. We look forward to them achieving greater glory for the country.

Frankly, I would say Manipur is the capital of Indian sport. The traditional sport of Sagol Kangjei was the inspiration for modern polo. And here in Imphal is the oldest polo ground in the world. Huyen Langlon is a martial art that I believe deserves much greater international exposure. As does Yubi Lakpi, played with a greased coconut instead of a rugby ball. I have only mentioned a few of the many remarkable indigenous sports of Manipur. These are treasures that must be shared with the rest of the country and rest of the world.

In conclusion, I wish the Manipur Sangai Festival and all the participants here, as well as the Government and people of Manipur, every success. India takes great pride in Manipur’s cultural identity, its social diversity – and economic potential. Together all of us need to ensure that Manipur realises this potential. And that every Manipuri, whatever his or her background, benefits. We must succeed. And we will succeed.

Thank you

Jai Hind!

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The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind inaugurating the ‘Manipur Sangai Festival 2017’ at Hapta Kangjeibung, at Imphal, in Manipur on November 21, 2017. The Governor of Manipur, Dr. Najma Heptulla, the Minister of State for Tourism (I/C) and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Alphons Kannanthanam and the Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri Biren Singh are also seen.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind at the inaugural event of ‘Manipur Sangai Festival 2017’ at Hapta Kangjeibung, at Imphal, in Manipur on November 21, 2017. The Governor of Manipur, Dr. Najma Heptulla, the Minister of State for Tourism (I/C) and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Alphons Kannanthanam, the Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri Biren Singh and other dignitaries are also seen.

Arunachal is critical for India since much of the catchment of Brahmaputra river is from Arunachal, only 5% water comes from Tibet. Arunachal also has very high Hydroelectric potential.
We should harness this hydroelectric potential and use the electricity to pump some of the Brahmaputra river water to other parts of India.